Absorbent thermal bag

ABSTRACT

An absorbent thermal bag made in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes an absorbent pad operatively associated with a thermal bag which can be regenerated in situ. The junction of the absorbent pad and the thermal bag defines an unobstructed perimeter area that is an area of the absorbent pad that extends beyond the thermal bag. The unobstructed perimeter area provides an area of improved absorption and allows the side-by-side simultaneous placement of the thermal bag and the absorbent pad on a wound site. The thermal bag can contain endothermic materials such as ice for cold therapy or, alternatively, exothermic materials for heat therapy.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/302,730 filed Apr. 30, 1999, now awaiting issuance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a low cost thermal bag that provides improvedabsorption of body fluids. This invention further relates to anabsorbent thermal bag product that is refillable and may be regeneratedin situ.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of cold packs and hot packs for thermal therapy is known. Coldand hot packs may be of several general types. One type of cold packcontains an insulating material which, upon cooling in a refrigerator orfreezer, gradually warm back to ambient temperature. Similarly, one typeof hot pack contains an insulating material and can be warmed. Anothertype of thermal pack operates via a change of phase of the components ofthe pack. Still another type of thermal pack employs chemical componentsthat are endotherm-producing in the case of cold packs, orexotherm-producing in the case of hot packs, on dissolution in asolvent.

Phase change materials may be converted between solid and liquid phaseand utilize a latent heat of fusion to absorb, store and release heat,or cool, during such phase conversion. Ice/water is one example of phasechange material.

Certain chemical compounds, once dissolved into a solution, result ineither a lowering of the temperature of the solution below or aboveambient temperature. On dissolution, these compounds absorb heat from,or expend heat to, the surrounding environment. For example, inorganicsalts or soluble organic compounds known to have positive enthalpy ofaqueous solution are used to make the reduced temperature solutionsuseful in cold packs. In the case of hot packs, compositions havingnegative enthalpy of aqueous solution are used to produce increasedtemperature solutions useful for hot packs.

Examples of cold packs that employ an insulating material are cold packsthat contain a gel. Typically, these cold packs are cooled in arefrigerator or freezer. For cold therapy, once cooled, the cold pack isplaced on the injured or sore area and thus provides the cold therapy.

Chemical cold packs that provide an insulating layer between the coldpack and the skin are also known. One such cold pack uses an outer pouchcontaining capillaries to allow drainage of the pack and to provide atemperature moderating effect. Another chemical cold pack uses a wettingmember in contact with the chemical cold pack, thereby providing moistcold to an injury. Yet another chemical cold pack positions anabsorbent/insulating layer between the chemical cold and the ambient airwith the chemical cold pack placed up against the patient's skin. Inthis device, the surface area of the absorbent/insulating layer issmaller than the surface area of the cold pack. One prior art chemicalcold pack cover provides means to attach the cold pack to a patient andto provide a water-resistant material in contact with the skin.

One disadvantage of the prior art devices is that the thermal packs maynot easily be regenerated in situ. Additionally, the prior art devicesare not readily reusable for a single application. Another disadvantageof the prior art devices is that the insulating materials, whilepossessing at least some absorbency, are positioned away from theinjury. A further disadvantage of the prior art devices is that theabsorbency of the absorbent/insulating layer is obstructed by the largerthermal pack surface area. Yet another disadvantage of the prior artdevices is that they are costly to manufacture.

It would therefore be an advantage to have a cold or hot pack that canbe easily regenerated in situ. It would be a further advantage to have acold or hot pack that would allow the simultaneous placement of thethermal pack and absorbent pad on the injury site. It would be yet afurther advantage to provide a low cost thermal pack that can beregenerated in situ and allows the simultaneous placement of the packand the absorbent pad on the injury site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a thermal pack, i.e., a cold or hot pack,that can be regenerated in situ. The present invention provides athermal pack that allows the simultaneous placement of the pack and anabsorbent pad on the injury site. The present invention further providesa low cost thermal pack that can be regenerated in situ and allows thesimultaneous placement of the thermal pack and the absorbent pad on theinjury site.

The present invention provides an absorbent thermal bag that includes athermal bag and an absorbent pad attached to the thermal bag. One sideof the thermal bag defines a single-side surface area, while one side ofthe absorbent pad defines a pad area. The thermal bag has a resealableopening. The pad area is larger than the single side surface area, andthe difference in the areas provides an unobstructed perimeter. Phasechange material or other temperature modifying materials can be added tothe thermal bag through the resealable opening and the unobstructedperimeter area provides an unobstructed area for absorbing a bodilyfluid on the absorbent pad.

In one embodiment of the invention, the absorbent thermal bag comprisesa thermal bag which is an ice bag adapted to receive an endothermicmaterial, such as a phase change material. In an alternative embodiment,the absorbent thermal bag comprises a thermal bag adapted to receive anexothermic material, such as an exotherm producing composition or warmwater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic of an absorbent thermal bag madein accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a component of an alternative embodiment of anabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a component of an alternative embodiment of anabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of an alternative embodiment of an absorbentthermal bag of the present invention

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional schematic of an alternative embodiment of anabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of theabsorbent thermal bag of FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG.7.

FIG. 8a is a cross-sectional side view of the absorbent thermal bag ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic of an alternative embodiment of anabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

FIG. 9a is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of anabsorbent thermal bag of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the absorbent thermal bag of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bag ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bag ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the absorbent thermal bag ofFIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “thermal” when used in the context of the invention is meant torefer to the capability of temperature modifications, both in terms ofincreases or decreases in temperature. The term when used in referenceto the “thermal bag” for purposes of the invention indicates that thebag component of the absorbent thermal bag of the invention accommodateseither endothermic or exothermic materials to render the deliver thedesired cold or heat therapy, respectively. Several of the figuresdepict the thermal bag as an ice bag containing ice and water, which isintended for illustrative purposes only.

Referring to FIG. 1, an absorbent thermal bag made in accordance withthe principles of the present invention is designated by 10. In thisembodiment depicted, the absorbent thermal bag 10 includes an absorbentpad 12 operatively associated with an ice bag 15. The ice bag 15 definesa single-side surface area that is the surface area of one side of theice bag 15. The absorbent pad 12 defines a pad area that is the surfacearea of one side of the absorbent pad 12. The junction of the absorbentpad 12 and the ice bag 15 defines attachment sections 17, 19. Theabsorbent pad 12 extends beyond the ice bag 15 a perimeter distance d₁,at attachment section 17 and a perimeter distance d₂ at attachmentsection 19. The perimeter distances di and d₂ will be more fullydescribed below. The absorbent pad 12 defines a thickness t. Thethickness t may range from about 0.0625 inches to about 1 inch (about0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250inches to about 0.750 inches (about (0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

The ice bag 15 may contain ice 14, other suitable phase changematerials, or materials which absorb heat. The ice bag 15 may alsocontain water 16, or other liquid that results from melting of the phasechange material. In the case of a thermal bag for heat therapy orstorage, the bag contains an exothermic material instead of an “icebag.” The thermal bag, therefore, can contain exothermic (heatreleasing) materials or compositions.

Suitable exothermic materials which can be used in conjunction with theinvention include exothermic phase change materials, exothermicdissolving solute in solvent compositions, and latent heat storagematerials. Examples of exothermic phase change materials include, butare not limited to, sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodium acetatetrihydrate. Examples of exothermic dissolving solutes in solvents whichcan be used include, but are not limited to, calcium chloride and water,ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesium sulfate and water. Examples oflatent heat storage materials include, but are not limited to,pre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the absorbent thermal bag 10 of FIG. 1 isdepicted in plan view. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbent pad12 and the ice bag 15 also defines attachment sections 22, 24. As shown,the absorbent pad 12 extends beyond the ice bag 15 thus defining anunobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area is the aredifference between the single-side surface area and the pad area. Theunobstructed perimeter area further defines a perimeter distance d₁ atattachment section 17, a perimeter distance d₂ at attachment section 19,perimeter distance d₃ at attachment section 22, and a perimeter distanced₄ at attachment section 24. The unobstructed perimeter area provides anarea of the absorbent pad 12 that is unobstructed by the ice bag 15.Unlike the prior art devices, such an unobstructed area allows forsimultaneous, side-by-side placement of then ice bag 15 and theabsorbent pad 12 on a wound site. Perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄may range from about 0.125 inches to about 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm toabout 12.7000 cm), or more. The magnitude of the perimeter distances d₁,d₂, d₃ and d₄ may be different for different applications.

By providing an unobstructed perimeter area for absorption, theabsorbent pad 12 may achieve a maximum absorbing efficiency in theunobstructed area This is contrasted with the prior art devices where anabsorbent material is about the same size as an associated thermal pack,or even smaller than the associated pack, and where such an absorbentmaterial may be even further physically constrained by a semi-permeableplastic cover. Such obstructions and constraints physically limit theextent of absorption the absorbent material undergoes and thus theabsorption efficiency is reduced.

The thermal bag can be attached to the absorbent pad 12 by variousmeans. The thermal bag may be attached to the absorbent pad using anadhesive. Alternatively, the thermal bag may be sewn to the absorbentpad, thus attaching the bag to the absorbent pad 12. In anotherembodiment, the perimeter portion or edges of the thermal bag can bepartially or completely “tucked” under an overlapping portion of theabsorbent pad.

In one embodiment, the thermal bag is releasably attached to theabsorbent pad using releasable fasteners. A preferred means for such areleasable attachment is illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3illustrates an absorbent pad 32 that further defines hook and loopfasteners 37, 39. FIG. 4 illustrates an ice bag 45 that further defineshook and loop fasteners 47, 49. In the case of a absorbent thermal bagfor cold therapy, the ice bag 45 may contain ice 44, or other suitablephase change material, and may also contain water 46, or other liquidthat results from melting of the phase change material. Hook and loopfastener 37 may be operatively associated with hook and loop fastener 47and hook and loop fastener 39 may be operatively associated with hookand loop fastener 49, so that the absorbent pad 32 is attached to theice bag 45.

The thermal bag can be made from any waterproof material. Waterproofmaterials may include, for example, extruded, cast, or blown films ofpolyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters, celluloseethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyvinylidenechloride, and ethylene octene copolymers, and copolymers of thesematerials, and laminates of any of these materials. The films may bemetallized. The waterproof materials may also include woven or non-wovenfabrics that are made from hydrophobic materials such as nylon,polyethylene and polypropylene, and combinations of these polymers. Thethermal bag 15 may also be made from a multiple ply material. Oneexample of a multiple ply materials is a two-ply material that includesa waterproof layer and a liquid repellant layer. The waterproof layerwould form the interior of the thermal bag 15 and contain thetemperature modifying material. The liquid repellant layer would formthe exterior of the thermal bag. The liquid repellant material mayinclude woven or non-woven fabrics that are made from hydrophobicmaterial such as nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene or polyvinylidenechloride, and combinations of these materials. The thermal bag 15 isresealable and, thus, has a resealable opening 150.

In the case of an absorbent ice bag, a resealable ice bag 15 allows forfilling and refilling the ice bag 15 with an appropriate phase changematerial such as ice 14. In the case of heat therapy, a resealablethermal bag allows for filling and refilling the bag with an exothermicmaterial, such as warm water. Thus the present invention provides anabsorbent thermal bag that may be regenerated in situ. Additionally, thepresent invention provides an absorbent thermal bag that may be reusedfor a given application. For example, a phase change material or othertemperature modifying material can be added to the thermal bag while thethermal bag is on a wound site.

Also, for those uses where it is not practical to add temperaturemodifying materials to the thermal bag in situ, the absorbent thermalbag can be removed from the wound site, refilled with a temperaturemodifying material, and replaced on the wound site. Any of a variety ofresealable closure devices may be included with the absorbent thermalbag to provide a resealable feature to the thermal bag. The resealableclosure devices may include mechanical clips, jack-knife-type safetyclips, clamps, tie strings, tie straps, zippers, adhesive seals, ZIPPLOC(a registered trademark of Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Mich.), andVON-LOC (a registered trademark of Vonco Products, Inc., Lake Villa,Ill.).

In one embodiment, the thermal bag is releasably attached to theabsorbent pad and the thermal bag is resealable, both configurationshaving been described above. This embodiment provides an absorbentthermal bag that may be practically refilled away from a wound sitewhile the absorbent pad remains in contact with the wound site. Thisembodiment also provides an absorbent thermal bag that allows for easyreplacement of the absorbent pad.

The absorbent pad 12 may be made from conventional cellulosic materials,such as cellulose or cellulose derivatives. Optionally, the absorbentpad 12 may be made from a combination of cellulosic material and a superabsorbent polymer. Examples of the super absorbent polymer includepoly-N-vinylacetamide and cross-linked sodium polyacrylate. Othermaterials, such as cotton, polypropylene, and polyester, may also beused for the absorbent pad 12. The materials from which the absorbentpad 12 can be made may also generally include non-woven fabrics. Theabsorbent pad 12 may even be made from a sponge.

Referring now to FIG. 5, a schematic of an alternative embodiment of theabsorbent thermal bag 10 is presented. The junction of the absorbent pad52 and the ice bag 55 defines attachment sections 57, 59, 53 and 51. Theabsorbent pad 52 extends beyond the ice bag 55 thus providing anunobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area definesperimeter distances d₁, d₃ and d₄ at attachment section 57, a perimeterdistance d₂ at attachment section 53, a perimeter distance d6 atattachment section 51, and perimeter distances d₅, d₇ and d₈ atattachment section 59. The unobstructed perimeter area provides an areaof the absorbent pad 52 that is unobstructed by the ice bag 55. Theunobstructed perimeter area allows for simultaneous, side-by-sideplacement of the ice bag 55 and the absorbent pad 52 on a wound site.Perimeter distances d₁ through d₈ may range from about 0.125 inches toabout 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. Themagnitude of the perimeter distances d₁ through d₈ may be different fordifferent applications. The ice bag 55 may be attached to the absorbentpad 52 by various means as described above. In the preferred embodiment,the ice bag 55 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad 52.

The shape of the absorbent pad 52 may be described as an hour glass andis configured to accommodate the perineum. Thus it can be seen that theareas unobstructed by the ice bag 52, and described by the perimeterdistances d₁ through d₈, provide an improvement over the prior art forboth the absorption of bodily fluids from the perineum and providingcold therapy to the perineum. Where the ice bag 55 is attached tom theabsorbent pad 52 there is a reduced absorbency, as described above.

FIG. 6 presents yet another embodiment of an absorbent ice bag 10according to the present invention. The absorbent ice bag 10 includes anabsorbent pad 62 operatively associated with an ice bag 65. Theabsorbent pad 62 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may range fromabout 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

The absorbent thermal bag can further include containment pads 61, 63.The containment pads 61, 63 are attached to a side of the absorbent pad62 that is operatively associated with the thermal bag (e.g., ice bag65). The containment pads 61, 63 are positioned so as to focus thethermal therapy to a region of the body in need of therapy. Thus, thecontainment pads also provide a thermal barrier that reduces absorptionof heat through the ends of the ice bag 65 from the ambient air in thecase of cold therapy, or alternatively, the loss of heat through theends of the thermal bag to the ambient air in the case of heat therapy.The containment pad 61 further defines a thickness t₁ and thecontainment pad 63 further defines a thickness t₂. The thickness t₁, t₂may range from about 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm toabout 2.5400 cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inches toabout 0.750 inch (about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm). The thickness t₁may be equal to or different from the thickness t₂. The containment pads61, 63 may be made from a material that provides a thermal barrier suchas cellulosic material, felt, wool, or other suitable material.

The thermal bag (shown as an ice bag 65) may contain ice 64, or othersuitable phase change material. The thermal bag 65 may also containwater 66, or other liquid that results from melting of the phase changematerial for example.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the ice bag 65 of FIG. 6 is depicted in planview. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbent pad 62 and thethermal bag 65 defines attachment sections 67, 69, 72 and 74. Theabsorbent pad 62 extends beyond the thermal bag 65 thus providing anunobstructed perimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area defines aperimeter distance d1 at attachment section 67, a perimeter distance d2at attachment section 69, a perimeter distance d3 at attachment section74, and a perimeter distance d4 at attachment section 72. Theunobstructed perimeter area provides an area of the absorbent pad 62that is unobstructed by the thermal bag 65. Such an unobstructed areallows for simultaneous, side-by-side, placement of the thermal bag 65and the absorbent pad 62 on a wound site. Perimeter distances d1, d2, d3and d4 may range from about 0.125 inch to about 5 inches (about 0.3175cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. The magnitude of the perimeterdistances d1, d2, d3 and d4 may be different for different applications.

Referring now to FIG. 6a, an alternative embodiment of the absorbentthermal bag 10 of FIG. 6 is illustrated. The components of theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a are the same as those identified inFIG. 6. The thickness and perimeter distances defined by the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6a are also the same as those identified in FIG. 6.Thus, the absorbent ice bag 10 includes an absorbent pad 62 operativelyassociated with an ice bag 65 and containment pads 61, 63. As describedabove, the containment pads 61, 63 are positioned so as to focus thecold therapy to a region of the body in need of therapy. In theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 6a, the containment pads 61, 63 areattached to a side of the absorbent pad 62 that is opposite the side ofthe absorbent pad operatively associated with the ice bag 65.

As described above, the ice bag 65 may contain ice 64, or other suitablephase change material. The ice bag 65 may also contain water 66, orother liquid that results from melting of the phase change material.

FIGS. 8 and 8a illustrate yet another embodiment of the absorbent icebag 10 of the present invention. The absorbent ice bag 10 includes anabsorbent pad 82 operatively associated with an ice bag 85. Theabsorbent pad 82 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may range fromabout 0.125 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm),and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 81, 83. Thecontainment pads 81, 83 are attached to a side of the absorbent pad 82that is operatively associated with the ice bag 85. The containment pads81, 83 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapy to a region of thebody in need of therapy. Thus, the containment pads also provide athermal barrier that reduces absorption of heat through the ends of theice bag 85 from the ambient air. The containment pad 81 further definesa thickness t₁ and the containment pad 83 further defines a thicknesst₂. The thickness t₁, t₂ may range from about 0.125 inch to about 1 inch(about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400 cm), and more, and preferably fromabout 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch (about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050cm). The thickness t₁ may be equal to or different from the thicknesst₂.

As provided with the other embodiments of the present invention, the icebag 85 may contain ice 84, or other suitable phase change material. Theice bag 85 may also contain water 86, or other liquid that results frommelting of the phase change material.

FIGS. 9, 9 a and 10 illustrate embodiments of the absorbent ice bag 10that include more than two containment pads. The absorbent ice bag 10includes an absorbent pad 92 operatively associated with an ice bag 95.The absorbent pad 92 defines a thickness t₃. The thickness t₃ may rangefrom about 0.1265 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 cm).

The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 91, 93, 98.The containment pads 91, 93, 98 may be attached to a side of theabsorbent pad 92 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 95, asshown in FIG. 9. In an alternative embodiment, the containment pads 91,93, 98 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad 92 that isopposite the side of the absorbent pad 92 that is operatively associatedwith the ice bag 95, as shown in FIG. 9a. As described above, thecontainment pads 91, 93, 98 are positioned so as to focus the coldtherapy to a region of the body in need of therapy. The containment pad91 further defines a thickness t₁, the containment pad 93 furtherdefines a thickness t₄ (not illustrated), and the containment pad 98further defines a thickness t₂. The thickness t₁, t₂ and t₄ may rangefrom about 0.0625 inch to about 1 inch (about 0.3175 cm to about 2.5400cm), and more, and preferably from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch(about 0.6350 cm to about 1.9050 inch). The thickness t₁, t₂, t₄ may beequal or different.

The ice bag 95 may contain ice 94, or other suitable phase changematerial. The ice bag 95 may also contain water 96 or other liquid thatresults from melting of the phase change material.

Referring now to FIG. 10, the ice bag 65 of FIG. 9 is depicted in planview. As illustrated, the junction of the absorbent pad 92 and the icebag 95 define attachment sections 97, 99, 102 and 104. The absorbent pad92 extends beyond the ice bag 95 thus providing an unobstructedperimeter area. The unobstructed perimeter area defines a perimeterdistance d₁ at attachment section 97, a perimeter distance d₂ atattachment section 99, a perimeter distance d₃ at attachment section104, and d₄ at attachment section 102. The unobstructed perimeter areaprovides an area of the absorbent pad 92 that is unobstructed by the icebag 95. Such an unobstructed are allows for simultaneous, side-by-sideplacement of the ice bag 95 and the absorbent pad 92 on a wound site.Perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ may range from about 0.125 inch toabout 5 inches (about 0.3175 cm to about 12.7000 cm), or more. Themagnitude of the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃, and d₄ may be differentfor different applications.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, alternative embodiments of theabsorbent ice bag 10 that include containment pads are shown. In FIG.11, the junction of the absorbent pad 112 and the ice bag 115 definesattachment sections 117, 119, 106 and 108. The absorbent pad 112 extendsbeyond the ice bag 115 at attachment sections 117, 119, 106 and 108 thusforming areas unobstructed by the ice bag 1156. As described above, suchunobstructed areas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of theice bag 115 and the absorbent pad 112 on a wound site. In oneembodiment, the ice bag 115 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad112.

The shape of the absorbent pad 112 may be described as an hour glass andis configured to accommodate the perineum. Thus it can be seen that thatareas unobstructed by the ice bag 112 provide an improvement over theprior art for both absorption of bodily fluids from the perineum andproviding cold therapy to the perineum. Where the ice bag 115 isattached to the absorbent pad 1123 there is a reduced absorbency, asdescribed above.

The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 111, 113. Thecontainment pads 111, 113 maybe attached to a side of the absorbent pad112 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 115, as shown inFIG. 11. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the containment pads111, 113 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad 112 that ismopposite the side of the absorbent pad 112 that is operativelyassociated with the ice bag 115. As described above, the containmentpads 111, 113 are positioned so as to focus cold therapy to a region ofthe body in need of therapy. The containment pads may be adapted to asemi-circular shape, as shown, to better accommodate, for example, theperineum. However, the containment pads 111, 113 may be adapted to othershapes to accommodate other areas of a person's body.

Likewise, FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the absorbent ice bag 10that is shaped to accommodate an area of the human body. The junction ofthe absorbent pad 122 and the ice bag 125 defines attachment sections127, 129, 126 and 128. The absorbent pad 122 extends beyond the ice bag125 at attachment section 127, 129, 126 and 128 thus forming areasunobstructed by the ice bag 125. As described above, such unobstructedareas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of the ice bag 125and the absorbent pad 122 on a wound site. In one embodiment, the icebag is releasably attached to the absorbent pad 122.

The shape of the ice bag 125 may be described as an hour glass and isconfigured to accommodate, for example, the perineum Thus it can be seenthat the ice bag 125 and the areas unobstructed by the ice bag 125provide an improvement, for example, over the prior art for both theabsorption an of bodily fluids from the perineum and providing coldtherapy to the perineum.

The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 121, 123. Thecontainment pads 121, 123 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad122 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 125, as shown inFIG. 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the containment pads121, 123 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad 122 that isopposite the side of the absorbent pad 122 that is operativelyassociated with the ice bag 125. As described above, the containmentpads 121, 123 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapy to a regionof the body in need of therapy.

Similarly, FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the absorbentice bag 10 that is shaped to accommodate an area of the human body. Thejunction of the absorbent pad 132 and the ice bag 135 defines attachmentsections 137, 139, 142 and 144. The absorbent pad 132 extends beyond theice bag 135 at attachment section 137, 139, 142 and 144 thus formingareas unobstructed by the ice bag 135. As described above, suchunobstructed areas allow for simultaneous, side-by-side placement of theice bag 135 and the absorbent pad 132 on a wound site. In the preferredembodiment, the ice bag 135 is releasably attached to the absorbent pad132.

The shape of the iced bag 135 may be described as a double hour glassand is configured to accommodate, for example, the perineum and therectum. Thus, it can be seen that the ice bag 135 and the areasunobstructed by the ice bag 135 provide an improvement, for example,over the prior art for both the absorption of bodily fluids from theperineum and the rectum and providing cold therapy to the perineum andthe rectum.

The absorbent ice bag 10 further includes containment pads 131, 133. Thecontainment pads 131, 133 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad132 that is operatively associated with the ice bag 135, as shown inFIG. 12. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the containment pads131, 133 may be attached to a side of the absorbent pad 132 that isopposite the side of the absorbent pad 132 that is operativelyassociated with the ice bag 135. As described above, the containmentpads 131, 133 are positioned so as to focus the cold therapy to a regionof the body in need of therapy.

As with each of the embodiments described above, ice bags 115, 125, 135may contain ice 118, 128, 138 or other suitable phase change material.Ice bags 115, 125, 135 may also contain water 116, 126, 136, or otherliquid that results from melting of the phase change material.

The absorbent thermal bag of the present invention may be attached tothe body of the person requiring thermal therapy. Any of the means forattachment known in the art may be suitable for use with the absorbentthermal bag of the present invention. Accordingly, ties or straps may beused as attachment means. Hook and loop fasteners may be used to attachthe absorbent thermal bag to a person's garment. Alternatively, theabsorbent thermal bag may be held in place by a person's garment, suchas an under garment. other attachment means developed in the art mayalso provide suitable means to attach the absorbent thermal bag to thebody of a person requiring thermal therapy.

The Figures illustrate the invention using a thermal bag which containsice (i.e., “ice bag”) as a phase change material for cold therapy. Itwill be understood that the invention likewise applies the use ofexothermic materials in the thermal bag for heat therapy alternatively,and the presence of ice/water in the illustrations is not to beconstrued as a limitation of the absorbent thermal bag to the use of iceor other phase change materials.

Industrial Applicability

There has been provided, in accordance with the present invention, a lowcost absorbent thermal bag that provides for both cold or hot therapyand the absorption of bodily fluids from wound sites. The presentinvention provides a thermal pack that can be regenerated in situ. Thepresent invention provides a thermal pack that allows the simultaneousplacement of the pack and an absorbent pad on the injury site. Thepresent invention further provides a low cost thermal pack that can beregenerated in situ and allows the simultaneous placement of the coldpack and the absorbent pad on the injury site.

While the invention has been described with specific embodiments, manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly,it is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications andvariations set forth within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent thermal bag comprising: a thermalbag defining a single-side surface area, the thermal bag furtherdefining a resealable opening; an absorbent pad attached to the thermalbag, the absorbent pad defining a pad area such that the pad area islarger than the single side surface area, the pad area defining an areadifference that is the difference between the pad area and the singleside surface area; and an unobstructed perimeter area formed from thearea difference; wherein an exothermic material is to be added to thethermal bag through the resealable opening and wherein the unobstructedperimeter area provides an unobstructed area for absorbing a bodilyfluid on the absorbent pad.
 2. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1wherein the unobstructed perimeter area defines at least four perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄, the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄being from about 0.125 inch to about 5 inches.
 3. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 1 wherein the perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ are atleast 0.125 inch.
 4. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein theabsorbent pad defines a thickness t, the thickness t being from about0.0625 inch to about 1 inch.
 5. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 4wherein the thickness t is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch. 6.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad comprisesa super absorbent polymer.
 7. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1wherein the absorbent pad comprises a material selected from the groupconsisting of cellulose, cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene,polyester, poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, andcombinations thereof.
 8. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 whereinthe ice bag comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters, celluloseethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyvinylidenechloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinations thereof.
 9. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 8 wherein the material is metallized. 10.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the exothermic material isa phase change material, exothermic dissolving solute in solventcomposition, or latent heat storage material.
 11. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 10 wherein the exothermic materials is an exothermic phasechange material selected from the group consisting of sodium thiosulfatepentahydrate and sodium acetate trihydrate.
 12. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 10 wherein the exothermic material is an exothermicdissolving solute in solvent selected from the group consisting ofcalcium chloride and water, ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesiumsulfate and water.
 13. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 10 wherein theexothermic material is a latent heat storage material selected from thegroup consisting of pre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.
 14. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the absorbent pad is hour glassshaped.
 15. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein the ice bag ishour glass shaped.
 16. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 1 wherein theice bag is double hour glass shaped.
 17. An absorbent thermal bagcomprising: a thermal bag defining a single-side surface area, thethermal bag further defining a resealable opening; an absorbent padattached to the thermal bag, the absorbent pad defining a pad area suchthat the pad area is larger than the single-side surface area, the padarea further defining a pad area such that the pad area is larger thanthe single side surface area, the pad area further defining an areadifference that is the difference in area between the pad area and thesingle side surface area; an unobstructed perimeter are formed from thearea difference; a first releasable fastener attached to the thermalbag; and a second releasable fastener attached to the absorbent pad;wherein an exothermic material is to be added to the ice bag through theresealable opening, wherein the unobstructed perimeter area provides anunobstructed area for absorbing a bodily fluid on the absorbent pad, andfurther wherein the first releasable fastener and the second releasablefastener releasably attach the absorbent pad to the thermal bag.
 18. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the first releasable fastenerand second releasable fastener are hook and loop fasteners.
 19. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the unobstructed perimeterarea defines at least four perimeter distances d1, d2, d3 and d4, theperimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ being from about 0.125 inch toabout 5 inches.
 20. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein theperimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ are at least 0.125 inch.
 21. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the absorbent pad defines athickness t, the thickness t being from about 0.0625 inch to about 1inch.
 22. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 21 wherein the thickness tis from about 0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch.
 23. The absorbent thermalbag of claim 17 wherein the absorbent pad comprises a super absorbentpolymer.
 24. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the absorbentpad comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofcellulose, cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene, polyester,poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate, andcombinations thereof.
 25. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 whereinthe ice bag is manufactured from a material selected from the groupconsisting of polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters,cellulose ethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride,polyvinyl chloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate,polyvinylidene chloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinationsthereof.
 26. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 25 wherein the materialis metallized.
 27. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein theexothermic material is an exothermic phase change material, exothermicdissolving solute in solvent composition, and latent heat storagematerial.
 28. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 27 wherein theexothermic material is an exothermic phase change material selected fromthe group consisting of sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodiumacetate trihydrate.
 29. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 27 whereinthe exothermic material is an exothermic dissolving solute in solventselected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and water,ammonium sulfate and water, and magnesium sulfate and water.
 30. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 27 wherein the exothermic material is alatent heat storage material selected from the group consisting ofpre-warmed water and pre-warmed oil.
 31. The absorbent thermal bag ofclaim 17 wherein the absorbent pad is hour glass shaped.
 32. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the ice bag is hour glassshaped.
 33. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 17 wherein the ice bag isdouble hour glass shaped.
 34. An absorbent thermal bag for heat therapy,the absorbent thermal bag comprising: a thermal bag defining asingle-side surface area, the thermal bag further defining a resealableopening; an absorbent pad attached to the thermal bag, the absorbent paddefining a pad area such that the pad area is larger than the singleside surface area, the pad area further defining an area difference thatis the difference in area between the pad area and the single-sidesurface area; an unobstructed perimeter area formed from the areadifference; and at least a first containment pad and a secondcontainment pad attached to the absorbent thermal bag; wherein anexothermic material is to be added to the ice bag through the resealableopening, wherein the unobstructed perimeter area provides anunobstructed area for absorbing a bodily fluid on the absorbent pad, andwherein the containment pads focus the heat therapy.
 35. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the unobstructed perimeter area definesat least four perimeter distances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ the perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄ being from about 0.125 inch to about 5inches.
 36. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the perimeterdistances d₁, d₂, d₃ and d₄are at least 0.125 inch.
 37. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent pad defines a thickness t,the thickness t being from about 0.0625 to about 1 inch.
 38. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 37 wherein the thickness t is from about0.250 inch to about 0.750 inch.
 39. The absorbent thermal bag of claim34 wherein the absorbent pad comprises a super absorbent polymer. 40.The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent padcomprises a material selected from the group consisting of cellulose,cellulose derivatives, cotton, polypropylene, polyester,poly-N-vinylacetamide, cross-linked sodium polyacrylate and combinationsthereof.
 41. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the ice bagis manufactured from a material selected from the group consisting ofpolyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, cellulose esters, celluloseethers, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol acetals, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylchloride acetate, polystyral, methyl methacrylate, polyvinylidenechloride, ethylene octene copolymers, and combinations thereof.
 42. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 41 wherein the material is metallized.43. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the exothermicmaterial is an exothermic phase change material exothermic dissolvingsolute in solvent composition, or latent heat storage material.
 44. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 43 wherein the exothermic material is anexothermic phase change material selected from the group consisting ofsodium thiosulfate pentahydrate and sodium acetate trihydrate.
 45. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 43 wherein the exothermic material is anexothermic dissolving solute in solvent selected from the groupconsisting of calcium chloride and water, ammonium sulfate and water,and magnesium sulfate and water.
 46. The absorbent thermal bag of claim43 wherein the exothermic material is a latent heat storage materialselected from the group consisting of pre-warmed water and pre-warmedoil.
 47. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the absorbent padis hour glass shaped.
 48. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 34 whereinthe ice bag is hour glass shaped.
 49. The absorbent thermal bag of claim34 wherein the ice bag is double hour glass shaped.
 50. The absorbentthermal bag of claim 34 wherein the first containment pad defines athickness t₁, the thickness t₁ being from about 0.0625 inch to about0.750 inch.
 51. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 50 wherein thethickness t₁ is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.500 inch.
 52. Theabsorbent thermal bag of claim 34 wherein the second containment paddefines a thickness t₂, the thickness t₂ being from about 0.0625 inch toabout 0.750 inch.
 53. The absorbent thermal bag of claim 52 wherein thethickness t₂ is from about 0.250 inch to about 0.500 inch.